Alan, who is our bird expert has compiled a list of birds which you might have seen or heard on Widmer Fields Village Green. You can download the pdf file under the Images tab. Let us know your results.
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Report from David Field, Chairman of the Land Management Committee, December 2020
GRANGE AREA TRUST
Land Management update
Due to a number of reasons, predominately the Coronavirus outbreak in March, I have not contributed to the GAT article in the last couple of issues. The commencement of the initial lockdown in early March, and the regulations which were imposed on us, meant that work in the fields was seriously impacted, and it was not until the start of July, when restrictions eased, was it possible to get back to some normality albeit somewhat limited maintenance works.
However during the period of Lockdown it was good to see that that the Widmer Fields provided a wonderful area for local people to exercise and the number of people using the field increased significantly, many of whom were not even aware that they existed! However, we had a number of instances of mindless vandalism. Several of the benches were pulled from their anchors and damaged, and “Bobs Bench” which has been in the Ash Walk for over 5 years, providing many people the opportunity to sit and enjoy the surroundings was totally trashed with many of the substantial timber struts actually broken into pieces. Also, during the summer there was another incident when someone acquired a large number of newspapers and tried to set fire to another bench. Fortunately someone passing managed to extinguish the fire and not only saved the bench but probably prevented a major fire as the surrounding grass and bushes were tinder dry. I really don’t understand why a small minority take pleasure in destroying something that has provided so much enjoyment to many people, and acting in a totally irresponsible manner. Perhaps if they read this, they might reflect on how they might feel, if somebody smashed up or set fire to something that they or their family owned!
With restrictions being eased, six members of the Land management team managed to hold their annual walkover the fields at the end of August, to discuss and agree which projects should be undertaken between September and the following spring. Following the management plan, it was agreed a second strip should be cut in the South Field, and the outcrops of bramble and blackthorn in the Ash field, along with grass cutting and raising the crowns in the Oak Field. It was also agreed that we would procure a further 80 tonnes of limestone scalpings to consolidate and extend the path laying which has been undertaken in previous years. With the experience of previous years the scalpings were ordered in early September, before the weather deteriorated and access alongside the farmer’s field became inaccessible to the delivery waggons. We were somewhat surprised this year that all four waggons arrived together, which was a total surprise, as normally deliveries have been staggered over several days. Fortunately the weather in September and early October was fair, which permitted Bob and Brian, our stalwarts, along with occasional help from others to undertake several of the major projects before the rains came.
The second major cut of the grass in the South Field was undertaken at the end of August and into September. Whilst there were again a few adverse comments, these cuts are essential to improve the quality of the grass, reduce the number of invasive species and encourage the growth of wild flowers, as I have explained in earlier articles. Also, the bramble island in the Ash Field has been reduced and contained. However with the onset of the “rains”, which I am reliably advised brought 112mm of rain during the first weekend in October, work was temporarily suspended. Once the ground dries out work on consolidating and extending the paths will commence. Again, the paths are intended to prevent damage to the environment as walkers try to avoid boggy areas, only to extend and create further boggy areas! The last few days have been colder and drier and the autumnal colours in the fields look stunning in the sunshine, and some of our younger visitors do seem to enjoy the puddl
Unfortunately, just as we were starting to think that things were beginning to get back to some semblance of normality, the number of Coronavirus cases have been steadily increasing, and the Government has deemed that we have to go back into lockdown. Hopefully this time it will only be for a month, although I am not holding my breath!
And, finally, I have just been told that our local arsonist has been back again over last weekend, with another pile of newspapers, trying to set fire to the same bench, unbelievable! Fortunately with everything being saturated they were unsuccessful – but those who use the fields please be vigilant, and if you see anyone in the act of committing serious vandalism, please call the police on their emergency number.
We hope that you continue to use and enjoy the Widmer Fields for the purposes intended, any comments or suggestions should be passed to Lyn Marchant (HonorarySecretary@grangeareatrust.org.uk) who will pass them to your Land Management committee for implementation. Don’t forget to keep up to date by watching the notice boards and following our web site at (www.grangeareatrust.org.uk).
Anyone wishing to help, by volunteering to work with us, should also contact Lyn who will put you in touch with us, training and PPE will be provided, although until the current situation returns to some form of normality large working parties will not be possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
Land Management update
Due to a number of reasons, predominately the Coronavirus outbreak in March, I have not contributed to the GAT article in the last couple of issues. The commencement of the initial lockdown in early March, and the regulations which were imposed on us, meant that work in the fields was seriously impacted, and it was not until the start of July, when restrictions eased, was it possible to get back to some normality albeit somewhat limited maintenance works.
However during the period of Lockdown it was good to see that that the Widmer Fields provided a wonderful area for local people to exercise and the number of people using the field increased significantly, many of whom were not even aware that they existed! However, we had a number of instances of mindless vandalism. Several of the benches were pulled from their anchors and damaged, and “Bobs Bench” which has been in the Ash Walk for over 5 years, providing many people the opportunity to sit and enjoy the surroundings was totally trashed with many of the substantial timber struts actually broken into pieces. Also, during the summer there was another incident when someone acquired a large number of newspapers and tried to set fire to another bench. Fortunately someone passing managed to extinguish the fire and not only saved the bench but probably prevented a major fire as the surrounding grass and bushes were tinder dry. I really don’t understand why a small minority take pleasure in destroying something that has provided so much enjoyment to many people, and acting in a totally irresponsible manner. Perhaps if they read this, they might reflect on how they might feel, if somebody smashed up or set fire to something that they or their family owned!
With restrictions being eased, six members of the Land management team managed to hold their annual walkover the fields at the end of August, to discuss and agree which projects should be undertaken between September and the following spring. Following the management plan, it was agreed a second strip should be cut in the South Field, and the outcrops of bramble and blackthorn in the Ash field, along with grass cutting and raising the crowns in the Oak Field. It was also agreed that we would procure a further 80 tonnes of limestone scalpings to consolidate and extend the path laying which has been undertaken in previous years. With the experience of previous years the scalpings were ordered in early September, before the weather deteriorated and access alongside the farmer’s field became inaccessible to the delivery waggons. We were somewhat surprised this year that all four waggons arrived together, which was a total surprise, as normally deliveries have been staggered over several days. Fortunately the weather in September and early October was fair, which permitted Bob and Brian, our stalwarts, along with occasional help from others to undertake several of the major projects before the rains came.
The second major cut of the grass in the South Field was undertaken at the end of August and into September. Whilst there were again a few adverse comments, these cuts are essential to improve the quality of the grass, reduce the number of invasive species and encourage the growth of wild flowers, as I have explained in earlier articles. Also, the bramble island in the Ash Field has been reduced and contained. However with the onset of the “rains”, which I am reliably advised brought 112mm of rain during the first weekend in October, work was temporarily suspended. Once the ground dries out work on consolidating and extending the paths will commence. Again, the paths are intended to prevent damage to the environment as walkers try to avoid boggy areas, only to extend and create further boggy areas! The last few days have been colder and drier and the autumnal colours in the fields look stunning in the sunshine, and some of our younger visitors do seem to enjoy the puddl
Unfortunately, just as we were starting to think that things were beginning to get back to some semblance of normality, the number of Coronavirus cases have been steadily increasing, and the Government has deemed that we have to go back into lockdown. Hopefully this time it will only be for a month, although I am not holding my breath!
And, finally, I have just been told that our local arsonist has been back again over last weekend, with another pile of newspapers, trying to set fire to the same bench, unbelievable! Fortunately with everything being saturated they were unsuccessful – but those who use the fields please be vigilant, and if you see anyone in the act of committing serious vandalism, please call the police on their emergency number.
We hope that you continue to use and enjoy the Widmer Fields for the purposes intended, any comments or suggestions should be passed to Lyn Marchant (HonorarySecretary@grangeareatrust.org.uk) who will pass them to your Land Management committee for implementation. Don’t forget to keep up to date by watching the notice boards and following our web site at (www.grangeareatrust.org.uk).
Anyone wishing to help, by volunteering to work with us, should also contact Lyn who will put you in touch with us, training and PPE will be provided, although until the current situation returns to some form of normality large working parties will not be possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
